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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.3 - Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration Preview (2)STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL Page 1 of 2 Agenda Item 3.3 DATE:March 2, 2021 TO:Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM:Linda Smith, City Manager SUBJECT:37th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Preview Prepared by: Shaun Chilkotowsky, Heritage & Cultural Arts Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will receive a presentation that previews the 37th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration including modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive the presentation. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The budget for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration is included as part of the City’s annual operating budget. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and modifications required to host the event safely, the budget has been significantly reduced. DESCRIPTION: The City of Dublin’s 37th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be markedly different than in years past. Historically, the celebration took place over a two-day weekend drawing crowds of more than 75,000 people. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and with public safety of the utmost concern, significant reductions and modifications have been made to ensure compliance with state and local health orders. The modified event will take place Saturday, March 13 through Saturday, March 20, 2021 and will continue to commemorate Dublin’s heritage and celebrate community pride with a series of limited, in-person, registration-based events, as well as virtual events and other outdoor activities within the confines of current health regulations. Business Community Involvement The 37th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will kick off with a marketing campaign to “Discover Dublin” and will focus on supporting the local business community. In coordination with the Economic Development Department and the Chamber of Commerce, the “Shamrock Crawl” will entice consumers to visit participating Dublin businesses for food and drink specials and themed meals. The marketing campaign will include brochures and maps highlighting participating 9 Page 2 of 2 restaurants, a bingo-type activity to incentivize participation, and signage directing event goers to locations. Lastly, Hacienda Crossings will host a St. Patrick’s Day shopping experience in their entertainment village. This will provide an opportunity for local retailers, who have otherwise had events cancelled, to generate business again. A virtual component will also be included for those not comfortable with in-person shopping. In-Person Events In-person events will include a Celtic Rock Concert and Irish Dance Lessons. A chalk-art activity is also planned as a hybrid event where participants can either pre-register and create chalk masterpieces in person or complete their artwork at home and submit photos. These events will take place at different locations throughout town over the weekend of March 13 and March 14. Events will be registration based and will follow guidance issued from the Alameda County Public Health Department. Virtual Events A week of Virtual Spirit Activities are planned from March 13- 20. This includes a leprechaun building activity, leprechaun hunt, Irish cooking demonstrations, and more. These events will utilize different virtual platforms including Zoom and Goosechase (smart device app). Virtual Fun Run The annual Shamrock 5k Fun Run and Walk is planned as a virtual event with two different options for runners. The 5k must be completed between March 13 - 20 and can either be done at home on a treadmill, on a course of the runner’s choice, or on a City-designated course around Emerald Glen Park. These options are provided to best meet the needs of the community as some people may not feel comfortable running in outdoor public spaces and would prefer to participate from home. Timing will be done using the RaceJoy smart device app with all participants receiving a commemorative t-shirt and virtual racing bib. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers in each category for those that choose to run the designated course at Emerald Glen Park. As in years past, the event is sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Overall, while the 2021 St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be significantly different than the traditional event, the event lineup and offerings will provide safe and enjoyable activities for the community. Although some of the signature events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Pancake Breakfast, and Green & White Gala will not take place this year, Staff has strived to “Paint the Town Green” with signage, street banners, and ribbons to commemorate the celebration. STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: None. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: The City Council Agenda was posted. ATTACHMENTS: None. 10 37th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Preview City Council Meeting -March 2, 2021 -Item 3.3 37th Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration Business Community Involvement Virtual Events In-Person Registration Based Activities Sponsors Looking Forward to Next Year See You There!